The city turned green on Saturday for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Ottawa, returning after a six-year hiatus. The Irish Society of the National Capital Region says they were thrilled to host the parade again ahead of the annual holiday on March 17. Thousands came out to show their Irish pride and highlight Ottawa’s special connection to the Irish heritage. The parade featured festive bands and costumes. “It’s really nice to be here on the first one back since 2019,” said Erin O’Brien, who was at the parade in the ByWard Market. “I’m glad I was able to catch it because we thought we were going to miss it.” The parade featured a sea of shamrocks, community bands and Irish dancers. “The parade hasn’t been out in a long time, probably a good few years so we just wanted to support the Irish community,” said Linda Boland, an Ottawa resident who was watching the parade. Bridget Clark, who was visiting from New York added: “We just stumbled across the parade and we could not be more thrilled to be here.” The parade featured more than fifty floats along the route and included city council members and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “It’s a celebration and it’s so great to see everybody who has no Irish blood at all come out and celebrate it,” said Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh. The parade started at noon at the Supreme Court of Canada before travelling along Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill, crossing the Rideau Canal to Sussex Avenue and into the ByWard Market. “It shows our heritage,” said resident Donald Henderson. “The Irish were here building Ottawa, the Scottish were here building Ottawa, and it’s important to remember our history.” John Concannon, the Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, commented on the rich connection Ireland has to Canada. “15 per cent of Canadians identify as Irish, but in Ottawa it’s many more,” said Concannon. “The Irish came in here and we built the Rideau Canal when we came here.” After the parade, dancers performed at Irish pubs like the Heart and Crown, which were packed for the occasion.
